DEAR READERS: Because of syndication scheduling, I write and submit my columns two weeks in advance of publication. Due to this time lag, the Q&A’s will not reflect the latest information about the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic we are currently facing.

Columnist Amy Dickinson (Bill Hogan/Chicago Tribune)

DEAR AMY: I was friends with a group of around a dozen women that I met during college 20 years ago. We all stayed friends over the years after graduating, taking trips together, gathering for baby showers, and enjoying an annual holiday gathering. I traveled out of town to attend many of their weddings.

Presently, many of these women are married with families. While the planned gatherings lessened over the years (family commitments started to take precedence) the group continued to vacation together each summer.

A few years ago, I realized I had been left off the invite list. I know this because pictures are posted on social media.

Another friend has also been ostracized. We aren’t sure what happened or what prompted this exclusion. Seeing everyone smiling together on vacation feels like salt in the wound.

I long for the days when I was included. Yet I also think, “Why be friends with a crowd that is no longer welcoming?”

Should I say something to one of the ladies? Thoughts?

Salty Situation

DEAR SALTY: Because you are already being excluded, you don’t have much to lose by inquiring about what factors might have led up to it.

I believe the chances of you receiving a straight answer are fairly small, but judicious honesty would open up a conversation — and give you the opportunity you deserve to express yourself.

You should email or call the person in this group you are closest to. Say, “I realize this is awkward, but I’m hoping you can explain why I’m no longer included in the group reunion. I really miss this gathering, and if there is a problem, I’d like the opportunity to try to clear it up.”

DEAR AMY: I have loaned an in-law a significant amount of money. While it is not a lot to some people, it is to us.

We have given this person well over a year to pay us back. It was decided that if the loan was not paid back within a year, there would be interest charged. If the loan date extended later (like a year beyond that), the interest would be increased.

I decided about three months ago to email them. I got no response. Since then I have emailed two more times. I finally received a response.

This person is an independent businessperson who is always chasing the first million. They said that basically the sky is falling. You know — “my car died,” “I had to relocate some of my inventory…” One hard-luck story after another. While I am sympathetic to their situation, it is not my problem.

My wife is stressing out about this, as she is a very caring woman, much more than I. But I have explained to her that we made the loan together as a family.

I am not sure how to respond to their email, other than to say, “I’m sorry about your current situation, but when can you pay us back?”

I have already explained in detail to the in-law that we moved and we also had car troubles and issues with our new house and that we needed the money.

What should we do?

Owed

DEAR OWED: Unfortunately, I think you should prepare yourself for the fact that you are unlikely to be repaid. You seem to have discussed financing terms with your in-law, but the terms are vague, and you don’t mention having any signed agreement on paper.

Also – asking, “When can you pay us back” invites the answer, “Never.” You should convey, “We expect you to begin repaying this loan on [specify a date]. Your monthly payment should be [specify an amount]. If you don’t make payments, we have no other choice but to contact a lawyer.”

Please — this is an expensive lesson, but in the future — never loan money that you cannot afford to lose.

Want Ask Amy delivered to your inbox for free on weekdays?

DEAR AMY: I’d like to add my voice to other readers who were charmed by your recent column entirely devoted to testimonials from adults about their stuffed animals! Given all the uncertainty we are all currently experiencing, this column brought tears to my eyes!

Trying to Stay Calm

DEAR TRYING: Me, too. But remember — those of us who no longer have our stuffed animals still have each other.